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I think the main change is that Patrick hasn't made any big mistakes lately, and relative to some other states the MA economy is doing better. (It's the one-two punch of Obama and Patrick's economic policies that's helping our economy, of course!)

A recent Rasmussen poll pegged the race at 45 Patrick, 31 Baker, and 16 Cahill -- not far off Suffolk's mark at all.

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In any case, three-way races like this one can end up throwing some serious curveballs, but Patrick seems to be in the strongest shape we've seen him in a while. His job approval has ticked up to a bad 42-49, up from a dismal 34-59 in February, and his favorable rating is up to 45-46 from 38-50.

Once one of the two challengers drops out, and it becomes a 1 on 1 race, we'll get a better idea of where things stand. Remember Cahill, not too long ago, was right up there in these polls. These polls change dramatically in 3 man races, 6 months or so before an election.

All I know is that if this state elects Patrick for another term, it will get what it deserves.

The flag men bit was the ultimate joke. What's the difference between them and cops, when they both make the same money? Wasn't the entire point about the cost of details? All they did was move the money to some other union member. Total shirade.

The flag men bit was the ultimate joke. What's the difference between them and cops, when they both make the same money? Wasn't the entire point about the cost of details? All they did was move the money to some other union member. Total shirade.

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What it was really about was shutting down the reimbursement delay. Instead of paying the details directly out of city funds then billing the contractors/highway/utility companies afterward they put it on the work crews to hire the flagmen directly. That is where the "savings" is. In essence, it's shifty accounting practices disguised as a way to save money.

The real charade in the "reform" was purposely putting in loopholes that allowed the unions and cities/towns to come up with agreements regarding the required use of police as flagmen. Instead of being forced by state law they are forced by city/town ordinances to hire union cops to do it. Nothing changed if the union is strongarming enough to force the requirement